5 destinations for escaping the crowds this summer in Europe
5 destinations for escaping the crowds this summer in Europe
©Antonio Lopez Velasco
With summer fast approaching, your mind is probably already dreaming of places where you can get away from everyone. From the Baltic coast in Germany to the Abruzzo region in Italy, we've picked five European destinations that make perfect getaways for a summer filled with adventure and discovery.
The nautical treasures of Germany's Baltic coast, from Bremen to Hamburg
To satisfy your urge for a summer getaway not a million miles from home, Germany’s Baltic coast is one of Europe’s most appealing undiscovered spots. In Bremen, the incredibly photogenic former member of the Hanseatic League, enjoy a stroll around the Schnoor, the city’s beautifully quaint medieval district whose half-timbered houses once put a roof over local fishermen’s heads. Next take the road northwards to Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park.
Here, at the mouth of the Elbe, take the time to explore the dunes, salt marshes, beaches and islands that the sea reveals at low tide. Make your next port of call Lüneburg, a picturesque city in Lower Saxony that still wears its former status as a salt capital on its sleeve, and end your trip in Hamburg, a vibrant metropolis full of charm thanks to its lively district around the port, world-class museums and contemporary buildings lining the canalside.
Abruzzo, wild and well-preserved mountains in the south of Italy
The region of Abruzzo in southeast Italy boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. To begin to explore this part of Italy that few tourists have yet come to appreciate, Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park is just a two hour’s drive from Rome. Wherever you look, the high sandstone plateaus, the peaks that soar up to 2,912 metres altitude and the beech groves that blanket the slopes stretch as far as the eye can see.
Ride the cable car up to the Campo Imperatore, an alpine meadow in Fonte Cerreto, to grasp the sheer beauty of the site in all its panoramic glory. Further south, Abruzzo National Park is a paradise for mountain-biking and hiking thanks to the dense network of 160 trails that snake between forests and mountains. Another sublime site to discover is Civitella del Tronto, a hamlet dominated by one of the biggest fortresses in Europe. Pure majesty!
In Sulmona, a gorgeous medieval town along the road that leads to the Abruzzo National Park, time seems to pass more slowly than you might be used to, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing overnight stay.
Galicia, a Spanish escape between land and sea
If planning to visit Spain, to take a deep breath of sea air away from the madding crowds, head to Galicia, a region on the Iberian peninsula’s Atlantic coast that still remains under the radar of many tourists. From Ribadeo to Ferrol, the Rías Altas coastline is a place that is an invitation for tranquil contemplation at its remote coves, pine forests and breathtaking cliffs. Praia das Catedrais, one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, is worth the trip alone.
In the old town of Santiago de Compostela, a destination for pilgrims from all around the world, an afternoon spent ambling around its ancient streets, admiring the lacey-stone facade of its UNESCO-classified cathedral and the Romanesque details of its monasteries will be a highlight of your trip. Last but not least, the Costa de la Muerte, or Costa da Morte, a coastline dotted with dunes and deserted beaches along its hairpin roads, makes for an unforgettable road trip!
Wales, a land of coasts and castles
Wales in the United Kingdom makes the perfect getaway destination to fill up on fresh air and culture off the beaten track. Its capital Cardiff is worth a few days of exploration alone: its impressive medieval castle is bookended by the animated docklands around Cardiff Bay and the National Museum Cardiff where you can discover the country’s fascinating art and natural history. Follow your urban trip with a drive out to the country’s wilder western side, where narrow country roads snake through lush valleys, from castle to castle, until you reach the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Dotted with fishing villages, this natural marvel is awash with sublime bays, tranquil estuaries and rocky formations against a spectacular backdrop. Other noteworthy stops include the largely intact medieval Pembroke Castle as well as the cliffs and beaches along the Gower Peninsula, where the pluckiest visitors can brave the refreshing water of the Bristol Channel.
The Tyrolean Alps, where Austria's heart beats to the rhythm of its mountains
Do you consider yourself a mountain person? Then get your mountain fix in summer with a trip to Austria’s Tyrolean Alps. Ringed by the snow-capped summits of the Karwendel mountain range, the imperial city of Innsbruck boasts world-class heritage featuring baroque architecture, medieval gems and fairy-tale castles.
The city’s environs are a paradise for fans of outdoor pursuits: from mountain slopes to crystalline lakes, from glacier valleys to thick forests streaked with rivers, the region is one big adventure playground. In between a couple of alfresco escapades, don’t miss the Cistercian monastery in Stams and the Leutasch gorge, a great family day out.
Cross the border to discover the Alpine town of Mittenwald, in Bavaria, famed for its beautifully painted houses and charming violin-making museum.
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.